Gibson 1959 ES-335 Reissue EB ULA

Gibson 1959 ES-335 Reissue EB ULA: Objective Test of a Semi-Hollowbody Classic

The Gibson 1959 ES-335 Reissue EB ULA combines vintage construction methods with modern precision, positioned as a flagship semi-hollowbody electric guitar. Built in the United States, this model aims to authentically recreate the look and feel of the original 1959 version. Here, I will examine its construction, hardware choices, material selection, and supplied features, referencing only the technical data provided.

Construction and Body Materials

This model is a true semi-hollowbody, not completely hollow. The three-layer body consists of maple, poplar, and maple, laminated for durability and resonance. Maple is known for brightness and clarity, while the poplar core helps reduce weight and increase midrange warmth. The top also uses maple, reinforcing Gibson's choice for pronounced articulation and solid projection. The binding is made from Royalite, a traditional synthetic binding material corresponding to the era being reissued.

The body is finished in ebony with an ultra-lightly aged lacquer. The "Murphy Lab" approach involves deliberate finish checking and lacquer cracks, imitating the wear found on originals from this period.

Neck and Playability

The neck uses mahogany (Swietenia macrophylla), selected for its stability and midrange focus. The profile is an "authentic '59 medium C," which suggests a comfortable, rounded contour typical of 1959 Gibson necks, substantial but not oversized compared to modern designs. The fingerboard is Indian rosewood (Dalbergia latifolia), which contributes warmth and a smooth feel.

• Scale length is 628 mm (24.75 inches), the classic Gibson scale, offering a balance between tension and playability that makes string bending and vibrato accessible.
• 22 frets, suitable for traditional blues, jazz, or rock repertoire.
• Dot inlays, authentic to the period reissue.
• Holly headstock veneer, a material used by Gibson since the late 1950s.

Pickups and Electronics

Electronics are positioned for versatility, drawing from classic and contemporary expectations:

• Two custom Alnico III unpotted humbucking pickups. Meaning, the winding is not potted (not sealed in wax), which contributes to increased harmonic content and "microphonic" character, not necessarily suited for extreme high-gain but excellent for articulation and vintage response. Alnico III magnets are softer than Alnico V, providing smoother attack and less pronounced high end.
• Traditional 2-volume and 2-tone knobs setup, with a three-way toggle for pickup selection.
• CTS potentiometers, recognized for reliability and consistency.
• Paper-in-oil capacitors, a vintage refinement for smooth tone roll-off. This detail targets purists seeking period-correct electronics.

Hardware and Reliability

• A lightweight aluminum tailpiece helps reduce the guitar's overall mass and can increase resonance and sustain compared to heavier alternatives.
• ABR-1 bridge, the same bridge type as 1950s Gibsons, known for solidity and straightforward intonation adjustment.
• Vintage double ring tulip tuners, historically accurate and aesthetically matched to the period correct look.
• Nickel hardware, which will age over time in line with the instrument's relic finish.

A five-layer pickguard provides both protection and visual depth. The guitar ships with a hard case and certificate of authenticity, standard at this price point, but important for a collector or gigging musician prioritizing both investment and security.

Finish and Aesthetics

The ebony finish, combined with lacquer checking from the ultra-light aging process, is aimed at players who value visual authenticity. The lightly aged lacquer cracks do not impact function, but they are a prominent aspect of the guitar's presentation. This approach does not affect playability or sound, but aims to satisfy those who want a guitar that replicates the look of well-played vintage instruments.

Position in the Market

With a price tag of $5,790, this is a high-end instrument aimed at both professional musicians and collectors. The construction methods and materials align with what is expected from a late 1950s style semi-hollowbody, and all components reflect an emphasis on historical authenticity rather than modern reinterpretation. There is no tremolo system, which is expected for an ES-335 from this era, focusing the instrument on stability and sustain. The absence of modern features such as coil splitting, push-pull pots, or ergonomic body contouring means this model remains loyal to the original design rather than branching into hybrid or modernized territory.

Conclusion: A Technical Recap

The Gibson 1959 ES-335 Reissue EB ULA delivers a precise re-creation of an iconic American semi-hollowbody electric, prioritizing vintage materials, historic build techniques, and period-correct hardware. Every detail, from the laminated maple-poplar body to the non-potted Alnico III humbuckers and tuned electronics, supports an instrument designed for those seeking both authentic tone and visual character, unblemished by modern additions.